R432-500-10. Director of Nursing Services

(1) Direction.

Each facility shall employ and designate in writing a registered nurse who will be responsible for the supervision and direction of the nursing staff and the operating room suite.

(2) Qualifications.

The director of nursing shall be a registered nurse who is qualified by training or education to supervise nursing services.

(3) Responsibilities.

(a) The director of nursing, in consultation with the medical director shall plan and direct the delivery of nursing care.

(b) The director of nursing shall be responsible for at least:

(i) Maintain qualified health care personnel that are available and used as needed under the supervision of a registered nurse;

(ii) Assure a licensed nurse is on duty when patients are in the facility;

(iii) Maintain the operating room register;

(iv) Review and update nursing care policies and procedures;

(v) Ensure that nursing documentation is recorded immediately and reflects an accurate description of care given;

(vi) Maintain policies and procedures for pre-operative and post-operative care;

(vii) Ensure post-operative instructions are in writing and are reviewed with the patient or other responsible person following surgery;

(viii) Supervise all non-physician direct patient care services, as defined in facility policy;

(ix) Review identified problems with the medical director through quality assurance mechanisms and take appropriate action;

(x) Ensure patient care policies including admission and discharge policies are reviewed annually. Patient care policies shall be developed and revised by a group representing all professionals involved in patient care.